Reflections & Perspectives

It is almost over! In less than 12 hours we will close the book on 2011 and begin a new year. This is the time of the year we reflect on what we have and have not done and make a few resolutions, with the goal of improving our bottom line, our waistline or simply begin anew. 

As I look back over the past 12 months, I must say there have been many changes in our home...

• As 2011 began we were involved in a highly stressful situation that has turned out to be a what I believe an opportunity I would have never considered, but now I believe I have found my "Sweet Spot".
• We have moved from Palm Bay to Kissimmee, with that move has come new challenges and opportunities. 
• As many of you know Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt) is one of my favorite verses. However, Jeremiah 29:11 has become a very meaningful verse for me in 2011. It amazes me how words spoken 2,500 years ago can speak to us today ~ God's word is amazing!
• A good friend of mine has begun his cancer treatment this week. As I watch and his wife deal with cancer, I admire how the two of them walk by faith.
• My new position at Florida Christian College has given me a new perspective on the local church. I have had the privilege to speak in 15 different churches this year on Sunday mornings and have visited 120 churches during the week. I have witnessed different styles of worship and ministry as well as different personality in ministers, and I continue to marvel that after 2,000 years the Kingdom of God continues to move forward.
• I have completed my first year as chairman of the board of directors of Unconditional Love, an outreach to people struggling with HIV and AIDS. This small outreach ministry in Melbourne FL, is having an impact in Brevard County on a very limited budget, yet they are making a difference!
• We found a new church home in Kissimmee and while my schedule does not allow me to be there every week, I am always blessed when I am able to attend. By the way the staff at FCC Kissimmee are doing a great job taking the gospel to Osceola County.

What will 2012 bring? I am not sure, I am just trusting in the words God gave to Jeremiah, knowing He knows what is best for me and He knows what is best for you as well!      

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church at Englewood Christian in Jacksonville this morning. 
• Ken and Gayle did a wonderful job with the worship this morning, focusing on the "The Name" of Jesus.
• Christmas Eve service was great at ECC as well!
• I had a chance to reconnect with MY youth minister this morning - so good to see you Wayne!
• Spent Christmas day with my mom and dad and two brothers and their families - I am so blessed.
• My mom makes some great mac and cheese and no, does not come out of a blue box! 
• Traveling back to Kissimmee from Jacksonville it seemed like there were a lot of Christmas  Crazies on the road this evening. What happened to the Christmas spirit?
• The Christmas party at my cousin's home was great as well, thanks Greg and Joy for your hospitality, we really enjoyed our time with you guys.
• Enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights Bonnet Creek resort this past week, thanks to the generosity of some good friends, thank you Jim and Faith.
• I have been amazed by the people who have text me this past week with well wishes and thank you's.  I feel like George Bailey!
• I plan to enjoy the next 6 days off!
• College football bowl games really get started this week, I can't wait.
• I got three new books this Christmas season, so it looks like I have some real study time ahead of me.
• In 96 days (March 30), Florida Christian College hosts an evening with John Maxwell at our Imagine Banquet - it is going to be great! 
• Something to Chew on; He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under the tree. ~ Charlotte Carpenter

Responding to Christmas

Christmas is almost here! With just a few shipping days left, people are pouring into the malls trying to purchase those last minute gifts. Families are traveling across the country and the aroma of fresh baked cookies is filling many of our homes, all in anticipation of Christmas day. Christmas day will be here in 4 days! How are you responding to the news Christmas is almost here? Is there joy, panic, anxiety, anticipation? You may respond in a variety of ways, but no one responded more positively than Joseph did when he received the news about the “First Christmas”

 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 

Notice how Joseph responded to the “First Christmas” Verse 24 tells us He woke up, He did what the angel had commanded him and he took Mary home to be his wife. Joseph responded by taking action. Joseph refused to passive regarding Christmas.

In the same way, we should be people of action during this Christmas season. Christmas is a time when people are more open to the spiritual side of life than any other time of the year. We have an opportunity to proclaim a message of hope and redemption to our friends and family members. This Christmas we would be wise to respond as Joseph did on that “First Christmas”…

1.    We need to wake up; this is not a time to be lethargic about our Christian walk. There are opportunities all around for each of us to share the good news of Christmas; that will cause great joy for all people, a Savior was born and his name is Jesus.

2.    We should do what the Lord commanded.

James 4:17, anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. What is God placing on your heart this Christmas? Joseph took Mary home to be his wife, this implies action. WHAT ACTION DO YOU NEED TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS?

·         Is there a person you need to talk to about the Lord?

·         Is there a phone call that needs to be made?

·         Is there a relationship you need to mend?

·         Is there a discipline you need to begin?

·         Is there a grudge you need to forgive?

·         Is there a habit you need to forsake?

·         Is there a sin you need to confess?

·         Is there a gift you need to give?

·         Is there a place you should go?

You may be saying to yourself, “This would be too difficult for me” But listen, If a righteous man named Joseph could take Mary home and care for her; even when it did not make sense to him, surely you can take action this Christmas as well.

Christmas is almost here, how will you respond to Christmas?

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church at River Run Brevard today - Great worship and a great message.
• Dan reminded us the baby in the manger grew up to be the man on the cross who died for our sins, people sometimes forget that baby Jesus in the manger was born to die.
• The only people who enjoyed the first Christmas were the ones who were looking for it!
• Josh W. did an excellent job with worship; especially on Silent Night and Joy, Unspeakable Joy. Good stuff.
• Once again I was humbled by a friends who are facing a trial with amazing faith. I treasure their friendship.
• Question what guides your decision making? Seriously, think about your answer. Attended the River Run Brevard CC presentation of Characters of Christmas tonight, great performance and great message.
• I have been delivering poinsettias to people this week to people around the state and I have been so blessed by their kind words and actions.
• I find it interesting the discussions I am reading regarding having worship services on Christmas Day.
• Something to Chew on; Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts: the gift of God to man - his unspeakable gift of his son Jesus; and the gift of man to God - when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice and, like the Macedonians, first give ourselves to God. No one has kept or can keep Christmas until he has had a part in this two-way transaction. ~ Vance Havner

The Seven Irrevocable Laws of the Christmas Season

1. The time you spend looking a parking space at the mall is inversely proportional to the amount of time you have to spend shopping.
2. The other check-out lines will always moves faster than your line; if you do not believe me, change lines and see what happens.
3. Beware of the three most frightening words of the season; Some Assembly Required. Be aware that an unassembled toy will take three times as long to assemble as the instructions say; Why, because the person who wrote the original instructions is fluent in 3 languages and English is not one of his languages. Remember also, while there will always be at least one missing part, there will always be a few nuts or bolts or washers left over to drive you to frustration.
4. The three most often overlooked words of the season  are – Batteries Not Included. Be aware that toys that require batteries seldom ever come with batteries.
5.  When you return to the store to buy the gift your husband, wife or child showed you the previous day, it is gone and the store will not be receiving any more of the item before groundhog day!
6. If you hear a loud crash in the living room, there is a high probability that your Christmas tree is probably lying on its side. (We once had this happen to us three times in one season until I discovered the tree had a crooked trunk and nailed it to the floor).
7.  If your toilet is ever going to overflow or your kitchen sink become clogged, it will be when everyone (including your mother in law) is at your house celebrating the season.

Merry Christmas!

What is in a Name

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about ~ His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 

Did you notice Joseph and Mary did not choose a name for their new baby? I have witnessed people choose their baby's name in a variety of ways; some consult books of baby names, others search their genealogy, while others look for unique spellings for the name of their child. Everyone want the perfect name for their child.  Mary and Joesph did not have the opportunity to choose a name. Scripture tells us God named their son for them;  "you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

I can think of four reasons why God chose the name Jesus;

• Jesus is an EASY NAME – it has 5 letters and two syllables, a child may have trouble with his own name – but early on he can say Jesus.
• Jesus is an ENDURING NAME – There is no name better known in the history of the world – the song says it best “Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away but there is something about that name”
• Jesus is an EXALTED NAME – Philippians 2:9-10,   Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
• Jesus is an EXCLUSIVE NAME – When the angel said to Joseph, before the baby was born, you shall call him Jesus, he then added this phrase; for he shall save His people from their sins. Acts 4:12, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

May the name of Jesus be on our minds and our lips as we celebrate this Christmas season.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day

• Worshiped with our home church today; First Christian Church Kissimmee.
• Jim did an excellent job with today's message.
• We miss Jesus for two reasons; We refuse to acknowledge him as the Messiah or we refuse to submit to his Lordship.
• Key thought; Those who missed the star missed the joy. That is true for us as well!
• Hey Derrick - we should end each week with Joyful, Joyful; great way to close out our worship.
• After hearing Gary's announcement tonight, I am so impressed with the commitment to stewardship at FCC/Kissimmee.
• If tonight's worship did not move you, you might be dead!
• Confession; I miss preaching at Christmas time!
• I had a great time in Jax. yesterday at our annual family Christmas party. My grandfather passed away in February, so this was the first time the family was together since then - A great time was held by all!
• We are so blessed.
• Something to Chew on; The real contest is always between what you’ve done and what you’re capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else. – Geoffrey Gaberino, Olympic gold medalist

The Indescribable Gift

2 Corinthians 9:15, Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

When the apostle Paul tried to tell others about Jesus, he did not use the words fantastic, awesome, wonderful, great, or incredible. No, he called Jesus the indescribable gift.

                       

For many people, the fast pace and hectic schedule of the holidays causes people to miss the greatest gift of Christmas. In fact, that is exactly what happened the first Christmas – people simply missed the greatest gift!

·         The religious leaders knew all the signs – but they missed it!

·         The people of the marketplaces were full of guests filling up their inns and diners – but they missed the greatest gift – Jesus.

The reason they missed the gift of Christmas – is they simply were looking for the wrong item. They were like many people today…

Looking for security rather than a savior

Looking for a keepsake rather than a king

Looking for the things of this world rather than one to be worshipped

           

My challenge to you is not to miss the gift of Christmas, to insure we do not miss Christmas, we need to make sure we are looking for the right item. Luke 2:4-7 reminds us; Jesus is the best gift of Christmas because of his humility. Too often we are attracted to the glitter and the gold when we look at Christmas presents. Our focus is drawn to the appearance of an item. We tend to overlook the meek and the small items. It is important for us to remember the first Christmas gift came in humility, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. While all other religions exalt their leader, Christianity focuses on the humility of Jesus Christ, Philippians 2:5-8. You cannot look at a wooden manger and not see a wooden cross.

Not only did he come in humility, he lived and died and conquered the grave in humility as well; for this reason Paul called him the indescribable gift.

Max Lucado writes, “2000 years ago, the all powerful God, the one who specializes in taking what is common and making it spectacular, the all powerful God who took a rod and parted the sea. The all-powerful God who took a pebble and killed a giant, the all-powerful God who spoke the universe into existence, said to his angels, “It is time for me to show them my love and in order to show my love, I am going to have to put aside my power”

He loved us so much that he was willing to become a helpless powerless baby in a manger.

C.S. Lewis said Christmas is when the Son of God became man, so men might become sons of God.  This year I hope you will have or find the indescribable gift of Jesus?

I am dreaming of a right Christmas; part 3

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told.

       

·         How do we respond to the news God has become flesh and dwelled among us?

·         How do we respond to the fact we are free from the bondage of sin?

·         How do we respond to the baby born in a manger, sent to die for our sins and desires to be a part of our lives?

·         How do we respond to Christmas?

Two thousand years ago, the shepherds had the right response! Informed by an angel the savior was born, they had but one response; To seek out the Christ child.

If you are going to have a right Christmas this year, you must have a right response to the news of Christmas. I love how the shepherds responded to the news of our savior’s birth…

The last part of verse 15 reads, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." THE LIVING BIBLE reads; COME ON! LET’S GO! Upon receiving the news there is an air of excitement in the shepherd’s response. The shepherds had the right response because their hearts were right. Having the right heart is essential if there is going to be right response to Christmas. Knowing a savior was born compelled them to go and search for the child in Bethlehem. Though the shepherds could not understand the full meaning of the angel’s message; they understood the need for a savior. Every year they would watch the priest come to their flocks and take the precious lamb to the temple for a sacrifice to cover the sins of Israel.

Now they hear the news, a savior is born. What other response could there be, but to go to Bethlehem?

Most people cannot respond to Christmas correctly because their heart is not right. Yet Jesus came to this world not simply to make our heart’s right but to make us right with God. 

Paul wrote, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)

The right response to Christmas is to turn one’s heart toward Christ, and receive his righteousness in our lives. The shepherds sought the savior and discovered the one who would one day make them right in the sight of God. This Christmas why not seek out the one who can change your heart, for if you seek Him you will find Him. James reminds us if we draw near to God he will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

Respond to God and you will have a right Christmas!

I am dreaming of a right Christmas; part 2

Christmas is the time when the pace of life truly picks up, there are gifts to buy, homes to decorate, parties to attend, meals to prepare and people to visit. Someone has even coined a phrase for this hurriedness; CHRISTMAS RUSH! Too often in our rush we are so busy DOING CHRISTMAS, we forget to CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS! This is nothing new, for the first Christmas was had a hurried pace as well.

·         Mary discovered she is pregnant and runs to her cousin, Elizabeth’s home to share the news.

·         Caesar Augustus demands a census of the Roman Empire; all citizens are required to return to the city of their birthplace. Suddenly all roads of the Empire are filled with travelers for this census.

·         The Shepherds upon hearing the Angelic Announcement of the birth of the Christ Child “Hurry off” to Bethlehem.

·         Soon the Wisemen see the STAR, and begin a cross-country tip from the east.

·         Herod, full of jealousy and fear, believes Jesus is a threat to his kingdom and issues a decree all boys under the age of 2, living in the vicinity of Bethlehem are to be killed. This causes a time of hurriedness, as parents flee from Bethlehem to escape Herod’s wrath.

As you can see, the Christmas rush is not a symptom of the modern man. However, the Apostle Paul would later write about the first Christmas...

When the right time came, the time God decided on, He sent his Son, born of a woman, born as a Jew, to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Paul said when everything was right, when God’s timetable was set…

·         He chose a little town called Bethlehem

·         A couple known as Joseph and Mary

·         The setting of a  stable

WHY; to save the world.

That was a RIGHT CHRISTMAS

Maybe you feel overwhelmed this Christmas. Maybe your pace is too hurried; Maybe you are so busy DOING CHRISTMAS, you are forgetting to CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

This Christmas instead of getting caught up in the Christmas rush, why not pursue patience and discover the peace that comes when you desire a right Christmas.

When we understanding that God works through his timetable and is faithful to bring about His will, we will find some practical ways to have a RIGHT PACE THIS CHRISTMAS?

1.   Take Inventory of your schedule 

Take some time to think about what you are doing and why are you doing something this Holiday season. Is it really necessary; or are you trying to fulfill someone else’s expectations

Are you so caught up in the pace of Christmas, you feel like you need a pacemaker? Follow the words of the Psalmist “Be still and know I am God”

2.   Prepare for Christmas

Christmas can be a particularly stressful time for everyone. There's the cleaning and the decorating, the relatives and friends to invite, the menus to plan, the cookies and cakes to bake, the gifts to buy and wrap, the children to get dressed! Under these conditions who would not feel stressed? Let me suggest a few practical ways to prepare for Christmas…

·         Before opening, the gifts on Christmas day, read the Christmas story of Luke 2 to your children, help them to slow down and remember it is not about the gifts, but about God. Remember, he who does not have Christmas in his heart, will not find Christmas under a tree.

·         A minister friend of mine in Louisville Kentucky has a family tradition of reading the Christmas cards they receive in the day's mail and praying for the family who sent the card before they eat dinner each night.

·         Maybe your family could stop going your separate ways and spend one hour together worshipping God at a Christmas Eve service. Why not sit together as a family as a reminder God came to earth so we might be part of his family

Determine in your heart not to be overbooked or overwhelmed in setting a right pace this Christmas.

Friends, if we do not have a right pace this Christmas, a Christmas marked with Peace, how can we expect the world to honor the One who brought Peace on Earth 2000 years ago?

I’m dreaming of a right Christmas, a Christmas marked with a Right Pace. In this season that is at times marked with a Christmas rush, let us remember, God was faithful moving at his timetable to bring us a Right Christmas

I'm dreaming of a right Christmas

We all want the perfect Christmas, A Christmas suitable for a Norman Rockwell print, A Christmas that warms our hearts and refreshes our soul. However, this year many people will not have perfect Christmas…

• For some a perfect Christmas is out of reach because of because of their economic condition; debts are mounting up and they wonder is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A perfect Christmas is nowhere in sight.
• Others are experiencing a strained relationship with family members and the upcoming holidays will be less than perfect as it filled with anxiety.
• Still for others this is the first Christmas without a loved one who has passed on and the holidays just don’t seem the same.

Knowing we will not always have a perfect Christmas – we should strive to have a RIGHT Christmas.

For there to be a right Christmas there must be a right focus. Someone has coined the phrase, “Let’s put Christ back into Christmas”. The truth of the matter it has been awhile since Christ was the focus of Christmas. I recently read an article stating in 1594, Christmas was canceled in the New England Community of Salem, Massachusetts because of “too much frivolity and worldliness”, and was not reestablished in the community for 23 years. Not much has changed in the last 400 years it seems we still have a wrong focus when it comes to the Christmas season.

When it comes to a right Christmas we must understand what Christmas is all about and in Matthew 1:18-25 we get a clue to what makes a right Christmas.

1.   Christmas is about salvation

When God revealed to Joseph via a dream His plan with the simple message; “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 2,000 years ago Jesus came into this world for the purpose of bringing us salvation. Salvation is not found in the latest gift or the perfect decorations rather it is found in Jesus. Some say Jesus is the reason for the season, but truthfully we are the reason for the season, our sins are why Christ had to come to this earth and bring us salvation.

2.   Christmas is about God changing locations

Matthew 1:23, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us."

Max Lucado writes we sometimes lose the majesty of Christmas in the mundane of the season.

We see the gifts, we enjoy the season, we share with family and friends and we feel a little more generous at this time of the year. But Lucado reminds us, “Let’s not lose the majesty of Christmas; The God who created everything, allowed His son to become a baby.

• The One who had unlimited power, would now allow His son to become powerless in the form of a baby.
• The One who was clothed in majesty, was wrapped in swaddling cloth
• The One, who walked the streets of Heaven, would now be born in a barn.
• The One who had no needs, was now dependant on a young mother

When I realize what Jesus did for me 2,000 years ago, I can take comfort in the knowledge that regardless of my situation, I may not have a perfect Christmas; I can have a right Christmas.

This year I am dreaming of a RIGHT Christmas – a Christmas with the right focus.

Thanksgiving 2011

As I sit here waiting for what I know will be a wonderful thanksgiving dinner, I cannot help but reflect on the many blessings of this Thanksgiving Day. While it is easy to look at the blessings I have received and they are many; it is essential I to look at the source of the blessings. I am not blessed because of fate, luck or karma, my and your blessings come from God himself. Consider these verses from scripture. 

• 1 Chronicles 29:10-12
• Psalm 21:1-7 

Hebrews 12:28 reminds us, Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 

Friends we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Over the last couple of years we have seen many things shaken, have we not?

• Our economy has been shaken.
• The housing market has been shaken.
• Our confidence in people and institutions has been shaken via scandals and cover ups.
• Last year's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico reminded us our environment has been shaken.

Indeed the things of the world have been shaken. Maybe you have experienced a personal shaking this year as well.

• Uncertainty on the job or a job loss. 
• A financial setback.
• An illness
• A strained relationship. 
• Experienced a loss of a family member or a dear friend to death.
• Nagging fear about the future. 
• Fear of the unknown

Your world is shaken. When we experience a personal shaking it can be very easy to chose to be ungrateful, However the Hebrew writer says we must take a different approach; 

Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. 

Today, if you have experienced some kind of shaking in your life, look to the unshakeable kingdom of Christ as a reason to choose gratitude. 

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul says it is God’s will for us to be grateful people. If we are to be grateful people, it all comes down to the choices we make, will we choose to live with a spirit of gratitude or will we focus on ingratitude?

I choose a spirit of gratitude!

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Attended the National Missionary Convention this past week, it is truly incredible to see what God is is doing around the world.
• If you think  the church is ineffective, you should see what is happening around the world - AMAZING.
• The challenge for each one of us is to ask ourselves what are we doing to take the message across the world and across the street? 
• Great quote from the convention; we all have an assignment from God, and there are no easy assignments left.
• If you want a life that is never boring, then pick up your assignment and get going.
• Reconnected with several alumni this week, great to catch up with old friends and meet a few new ones.
• I am so impressed with the Jim C. and Roland H. this week, they truly have a servant's heart.
• Spending time with Guthrie V. this week, this man is a constant learner!
• His wife is a jewel as well!
• How can the college football season  be almost over?
• Thanksgiving break at FCC this week, time for a little breather!
• Something to Chew on; Never burn a bridge behind you, sometimes you may need to travel back that way again.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church at Union Park Christian in Orlando today.
• Communion was especially meaningful as we sang Revelation Song as the emblems were passed. 
• This morning I spoke on Grace; question are you a grace dispenser or a grace consumer? Your answer will determine how you live out your faith.
• Grace is unleashed when people choose to be grace dispensers rather than grace consumers.
• I have been reading Francis Chan again; he can really make things plain and simple.
• I am truly happy for my good friends, their son has joined the Florida Christian College staff as the girl's soccer coach. It is always good to have family close.
• Looking forward to hearing what God is doing around the world this week as I attend the National Missionary Convention.
• The dolphins have won 2 in a row. 
• I am already tired of the Christmas Commercials on TV.
• Another good friend was able to baptize his grandson into Christ today - Way to go Guthrie and congratulations Nathan.
• Saw the movie "Courageous" this weekend; once again the church had an opportunity to   speak into the lives of the world on the value of fathers in our society. 
• Something to Chew on; “Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.” ~ John Ruskin

31

My oldest son turned 31 today. It is hard to believe that 31 years ago Kathy and I welcomed our first born into the world. As a tribute to him I would like to share 31 memories of our son that make me glad to be his dad.

1. The thrill of baptizing him into Christ.
2. Cub Scout Meetings.
3. Star Wars Trivia.
4. Teaching him to drive.
5. Watching him preach a sermon for the very first time.
6. His first hair cut.
7. His willingness to help me with ministry from time to time.
8. Killing the tropical fish in my office in Indiana, by the way he had an accomplice! 
9. His love for His mother.
10. The joy of officiating at his his wedding. 
11. The maturity he displayed when his reputation was attacked a year ago. 
12. The missions trips that he went on as our youth mascot!
13. Selling cokes at CIY.
14. The choice he made in choosing Brianne as his wife.
15. Teaching him to ride a bike.
16. Helping us when we had a computer issue.
17. Though it is difficult, he is willing to make the right choices, even when it means sacrifice.
18. Getting his first tattoo "What was he thinking?"
19. His understanding that he was a preacher's kid.
20. His love for movies.
21. Graduation from High School - we still hate THAT picture!
22. His desire to serve in a local church.
23. His understanding of what is really important when it comes to choosing a church. THIS IS A BIG ONE! In this area, David you are way ahead of many adults who are much older than you. 
24. Easter Egg Hunts.
25. His care for his younger brother and sister.
26. His patience with people who are less fortunate than him. 
27. The fact that he was born on the day of the Florida/Georgia football game.
28. Buying his first car.
29. The way he treats his wife.
30. The joy he brings to other people via his sense of humor.
31. Midnight Movie Excursions on opening nights on the Star War Movies.

Happy Birthday - I am so proud of you!

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from An Amazing Day...

• What a great weekend; Roundup, worship and reconnecting with friends.
• I believe Josh Wright is one of the most versatile worship leaders I know. 
• Robby's message Saturday afternoon was another reminder of how God works in ways we do not understand.
• I was great to see my former drummer Saturday - he is truly growing in the Lord!
• Visionary leaders are a rare breed, I am glad I had one for a preacher - Thank you Fred! 
• Roundup was great - amazed by the number of people who had a servant's heart Saturday.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58, is becoming one of my favorite verses. This verse is applicable in every aspect of ministry. 
• Jim's message today was a solid presentation of the gospel - I never grow tired of hearing this kind of message.
• Angels rejoiced this morning - the baptismal waters were stirred once again - this never gets old!
• Thank you Derrick and Jeanette for "Glorious Day!"
• Derrick, I appreciate your humility when things get a little sideways.
• Just in case you are wondering, Josh and Glenda C. are servants extraordinaire! 
• I am headed to Orlando next weekend to preach at Union Park Christian Church; I can't wait, I love preaching.
• Have you noticed how many Christmas commercials and Christmas TV shows are already popping up, what happened to Thanksgiving! Maybe this is why we think we are the 99%. 
• In case you missed it; dolphins won, dolphins won, dolphins won!
• Something to Chew on; Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least. ~ Goethe

The Danger of Crossing the Line

Last night as I was watching a college basketball game, an interesting call was made by the referee. One team had made a series of shots and clearly had the momentum on their side when their coach called time out. In the excitement of the moment one of the players came off the bench to congratulate his teammates who were on the court. In his excitement, he did not realize he had crossed the half court line and was now in the opposing team's space - the result; a technical foul was called on the bench.

In our culture we use the term "Crossing the Line" as a phrase to describe a person participating in inappropriate behavior. When the young man crossed the line in the game, I began to wonder how many times people "cross the line" on a daily basis which leads to disastrous results.

Everyday people cross the line by making poor decisions, participating in inappropriate activity or by pursuing unhealthy desires. In basketball crossing the line resulted in a  technical foul; 1 free throw and possession of the ball for the opposing team. This is not too serious, but crossing the line in life can lead to damaged relationships, unhealthy habits or a stained reputation. Crossing the line in life always carries with it dangerous consequences. 

How do we make sure we do not cross the line in the game of life? The shepherd king, David gives us a few suggestions in Psalm 24...

¹ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
   the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
   and established it on the waters.
³ Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
   Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not trust in an idol
   or swear by a false god.
⁵ They will receive blessing from the LORD
   and vindication from God their Savior.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
   who seek your face, God of Jacob.
⁷ Lift up your heads, you gates;
   be lifted up, you ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
   The LORD strong and mighty,
   the LORD mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
   lift them up, you ancient doors,
   that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
   The LORD Almighty—
   he is the King of glory. 

1. Verse 1 reminds us to be mindful of God's ownership in our life, we are simply managers of what we posses. One day there will be an accounting of what have we done with what God has given us. This includes our time talents and treasures. When I realize I am a manager, I am likely more willing to make decisions with accountability in mind.
2. Verse 4 focuses on our motives, are you a person with clean hands and a pure heart? When you you choose to participate in an activity do you have the noblest intentions in mind? Unfortunately when our motives are impure, we are more than likely to cross the line and participate in inappropriate activity.
3. Verses 6-9 points us to worship God by seeking his will and his ways. Godly activity will never lead us to crossing the line of making poor decisions, participating in inappropriate activity or by pursuing unhealthy desires. When we worship things that are not godly we do find ourselves getting close to a line that is dangerous. David understood this too well. He crossed the line with Bathsheba and paid for it dearly.

As we live out of faith this week may we make it a point to see the line clearly and be mindful that when we get too close, we quickly back away, for the consequences of crossing the line are more then a technical foul they are disastrous.

The Real 99%

There has been a lot of talk about the "Occupy Movement" over the last few weeks. There have been protesters from New York to Oakland CA. One of the signs being floating around the internet is the is the one of the man stating he is the 99%. The message is clear that 1% of the country's population holds an enormous amount of country's wealth, while 99% of us are struggling to get by in this economy. But let's put things in perspective; in this country the 99% are very wealthy compared to the world. In fact here are a few things to consider...

• If you woke up this morning with more health than illness… you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive this week.
•  If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of starvation, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation… you are ahead of 500 million people in this world.
• If you attend a church service without fear of harassment, arrest torture or death… you are more fortunate than 3 million people around the world today.
• If your family owns more than one Bible, you are ahead of 78% of the world.
• If you can read your Bible, you are more blessed than 2 billion in the world who cannot read at all.
• If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep… you are richer than 75% of the world.
•  If you have $100 in the bank, $2 in your wallet and a spare change in a dish someplace in your home,  you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

For many of us, we are the 1% compared to the world. Recently, I saw this picture on a friend's facebook page. This gives a little perspective, does it not? Let us remember how blessed we truly are today!

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From An Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the fine family of First Christian Church Kissimmee today.
• Adam did a great job preaching on Greed.
• He had a fresh perspective on the subject.
• We must understand we are simply managers of all we have, not owners.
• His two-fold challenge to defeat greed was begin to be a percentage giver and a spontaneous giver.
• How many times are you challenged when you attend church? 
• Here is a great verse to consider when checking your greed IQ.
• For many of us greed is a subtle sin that invades our life. 
• Nick and the team did a great job leading worship, especially on "Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee"
• Had lunch with some good friends today; food was good, the company was great.
• Roundup is this week at Florida Christian College, this will be a busy week, but I am looking forward to reconnecting with many alumni of the college.
• J.C. Penneys has their Christmas decorations up! 
• Something to chew on; Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity. ~ by Reed Markham